Hi Everyone, im new here, I have had IBS since 1997, im 23 Male, im here to ask about my mind, our minds, my problem with IBS its that when I have to leave my house, i keep on thinking "omg here comes the pain, here comes the symptoms again" but Im really ok, and that simple thought trigger my IBS, I dont know if u can call it anxiety or panic, I dont know... that my main problem, cause I have a found what foods trigger the pain, so im almost ok all the time, I suffer IBS-C sometimes, so if you can help me with that anxiety and some foods ideas contact me, I dont know if its right to put my email here but im gonna do it anyway, email me, im always on msn if u want to talk about IBS and help each other, well, thanks

I took out your direct email address so the odds of emails from spammers go down. You can also add your email address to your prfile by going to "Control Panel" and then "Edit Profile."

You know, it is quite common for IBSers to feel anxiety about leaving the house. Most of us know exactly where the restroom is in most places we visit... If it's a new place, we immediately locate the restroom for peace of mind. Many of us also take certain routes to places where we know we'll have access to a restroom if we need to make an emergency stop. It seems extreme but it helps us cope.

Do you have diarrhea problems when you get this anxiety when leaving the house? I alway carry Imodium with me and many others carry their antispasmodic with them... It's sort of a security blanket. I know that by just having my Imodium it calms me down. I also take very small doses of Imodium before big events just so that I can relax knowing that I already took something to help my D.Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum

Thanks for answer me, to tell the truth I do that all the time, look for routes with a near bathroom and all, maybe I didnt ask well, Im looking for something that keeps my mind out of that IBS idea, cause sometimes when I go with someone and I keep chatting, I forgot about my IBS, but when I go alone, thats when everything goes bad, pain, emergencies, gas..... , im looking for something like meditation or something like that... what do u do to keep your IBS out of your mind? or do you let the meds do the magic? Thanks :o)

It took me a long time to convince myself that I wasn't going to let IBS run my life. That's when my mind stopped dictating my IBS. I asked myself "So what if I have an attack while I'm out, what's the worst that can happen? I need to find a restroom. Big deal, everyone poops." Then I started telling myself that I would be fine. You have to believe it too... that's the key. I also stay away from trigger foods so that helps with my calmness when going out. Like I mentioned before, sometimes when I'm going out for drinks with friends or big social gatherings I take Imodium before leaving the house. That in itself is settling. It will ease your mind and help you believe that your guts will be under control, in turn, it works because your nerves are calm.Well, that's how I deal with IBS and going out. You can't always win BUT you do the majority of the time. Good luck, I really do hope you find something that works. I know we have a few other members on here who have the same problem... Hopefully the'll be on to give their input.Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum